Entertainment

February 25, 2010

IN CONCERT: Celtic Woman

WHEN/WHERE: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza

THE SHORT WORD: Celtic Woman, the highly-entertaining collection of four singers and a fiddler from Ireland, brought its latest show, “Songs from the Heart,” to the Mohegan Sun Arena on Wednesday. It was the group’s fourth trip to the area in the past few years, and just like the last three times, they dazzled and delighted the appreciative audience with an evening’s worth of Irish classics, outstanding originals and lively versions of some contemporary favorites.

THE HIGHLIGHTS: The group’s rendition of “Amazing Grace” was, well, amazing. Other group highlights included an exciting version of “Mo Ghile Mear,” an impressive take on last-year’s standout “Isle of Hope” and a nice rendition of new composition “Songs from the Heart.” Each of the singers also shone brightly in solo turns, including Chloe Agnew’s “Galway Bay” and “When You Believe,” Lisa Kelly’s “The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress” (with tasteful accompaniment by fiddler Mairead Nesbitt and pianist David Downes), Lynn Hilary’s “Dulaman” and Alex Sharpe’s “You’ll Be In My Heart.”

THE SURPRISES: No matter how many times you hear their a cappella version of “Danny Boy,” it is still stunning.

FAST FACTS: Celtic Woman has starred in five popular PBS specials, sold more than 4 million CDs and DVDs, and has performed live for almost 1 million people since forming in 2004. The group’s first three albums spent a combined 95 consecutive weeks atop the Billboard World Music chart. The Irish ladies’ latest album, “Songs from the Heart,” debuted at No. 1 on that same chart and No. 9 on the all-genre Billboard Top 200 earlier this month. Celtic Woman last played the Wachovia Arena when it brought its “Isle of Hope” tour to town last March.

THE CROWD: The attendance figure was not available at press time, but the crowd looked a tad on the smallish side.

UP NEXT: Next shows for Celtic Woman are tonight and Saturday night at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall. Next concert at the arena is Breaking Benjamin on Sunday, March 21.

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